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Keys to History

One tangible manifestation of the Acadian Renaissance was the creation of a museum dedicated to the history and heritage of the Acadian people. This museum was opened in 1886 at St. Joseph's College in Memramcook, New Brunswick, by Father Camille Lefebvre.

The nationalist goal of the museum was highlighted in an article published in Le Moniteur acadien on October 12, 1886: "French Acadians, light in you the flame of patriotism so that you may help build the first Acadian museum in the Maritime Provinces."

By 1886, the museum had acquired several objects of great historical significance, including the cornerstone of the Church of Ste. Anne de Beaubassin (1723). Other objects illustrated the daily life of the early Acadians. Collections of natural history specimens and curiosities were also housed in the museum.

During its stay at St. Joseph's, the museum changed location several times before finally finding a home on the campus of the Université de Moncton.

What

This is the ledger in which donations to the museum of St. Joseph's College in Memramcook, New Brunswick, were recorded for the first 57 years of its existence.

Where

This ledger was used by the museum while it was housed at various locations on the campus of St. Joseph's College.

When

In this ledger were recorded the donations made to St. Joseph's College from 1886 to 1943.

Who

The first curator of the museum was Father J. -B. Langlois, who served from 1887 to 1893. A list of employees of the college for 1887-1888 includes a reference to the museum curator.